An ecologist extracts a sample of blood from a Mastomys Natalensis rodent in the village of Jormu in southeastern Sierra Leone February 8, 2011. Lassa fever, named after the Nigerian town where it was first identified in 1969, is among a U.S. list of "category A" diseases -- deemed to have the potential for major public health impact -- alongside anthrax and botulism. The disease is carried by the Mastomys Natalensis rodent, found across sub-Saharan Africa and often eaten as a source of protein. It infects an estimated 300,000-500,000 people each year, and kills about 5,000. Picture taken February 8, 2011. To match Reuters-Feature BIOTERROR-AFRICA/ REUTERS/Simon Akam (SIERRA LEONE - Tags: HEALTH SOCIETY ANIMALS) - GM1E72F07HC01
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NSCDC) has intensified its Lassa fever response after confirming infections among frontline health workers during the peak transmission season.
The agency warned that strict compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures remained the most effective defence against hospital-based transmission.
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, issued the advisory on Monday in Abuja amid rising case numbers nationwide.
He confirmed that 15 healthcare workers had contracted Lassa fever, with two deaths recorded as of Epidemiological Week Seven.
The infections, he said, underlined persistent gaps in clinical vigilance and infection control practices within some health facilities.
“Strict adherence to IPC practices, early detection, and coordinated state-level action will save lives and prevent further transmission,” Idris stated.
He described the loss of medical personnel as deeply concerning, stressing that their protection was fundamental to sustaining outbreak response capacity.
According to him, affected states include Ondo, Edo, Bauchi, Taraba, Ebonyi and Benue, with several local government areas identified as hotspots.
Investigations into confirmed cases revealed lapses in infection prevention, particularly in outpatient departments and general wards.
Many undiagnosed febrile patients initially present at these units, increasing exposure risks for unsuspecting staff.
Idris said some personnel wrongly assumed only designated isolation units posed significant danger.
That assumption, he noted, reduced clinical suspicion in routine settings and contributed to avoidable exposures.
The advisory identified low index of suspicion, irregular PPE supply and improper protective gear usage as leading causes of infections.
It further warned that non-clinical staff, including cleaners and administrative officers, face comparable risks without adequate training.
“Data from recent investigations further showed an average six-day delay between onset of symptoms and care-seeking among affected healthcare workers,” he said.
Idris attributed delayed reporting to stigma, fear of isolation and widespread self-medication practices.
According to him, late presentation significantly heightens the risk of severe complications and fatal outcomes.
Idris reiterated that standard precautions must apply to every patient, irrespective of diagnosis or perceived risk.
He urged rigorous hand hygiene before and after contact, safe specimen handling and consistent environmental disinfection.
“Healthcare workers are advised to wash their hands with soap and running water before and after patient contact,” he emphasised.
He recommended alcohol-based hand sanitisers where hands are not visibly soiled.
Facilities were directed to guarantee uninterrupted supplies of gloves, masks, respirators, gowns and disinfectants.
Health institutions must also ensure proper waste disposal systems and functional sharps management protocols.
Idris called on states to establish operational isolation centres and strengthen designated Lassa fever treatment facilities.
He stressed the importance of clear referral pathways and efficient triage systems in all public hospitals.
“Healthcare workers must promptly report any exposure to suspected or confirmed cases and avoid self-medication,” he warned.
The NCDC has issued advisories to all State Commissioners of Health and deployed Rapid Response Teams to high-burden areas.
Personal protective equipment and essential IPC materials have been distributed to affected states.
Targeted sensitisation campaigns have also been conducted in treatment centres to reinforce compliance.
Idris commended states that demonstrated proactive outbreak coordination and rapid case reporting.
He maintained that sustained collaboration between federal and state authorities remains critical to containment.
“Protecting healthcare workers is central to breaking the chain of infection,” he stressed.
He urged the public and health providers to report suspected cases through official surveillance channels, including the toll-free line 6232.
As Nigeria navigates the peak transmission period, he insisted that vigilance and institutional discipline will determine the outbreak’s trajectory. (NAN)
